Honestly, I think Atletico Madrid’s performance in the Club World Cup group stage was disappointing, especially when you consider the level of experience and quality in their squad.
Photo Credit: Atletico de madrid
You'd expect a team like Atletico to showcase their strength in competition like this, but they looked flat in crucial moments. They played some matches white they fominated possession and created chances, but as usual, the finishing wasn’t clinical.
As for Diego Simeone, he’s been a huge part of Atletico's identity over the past decade. He turned them into a team no one wanted to face. But sometimes it feels like that same passion has become predictable. The defence that worked so well a few years back doesn't always match the modern game now. His tactics seem very predictable in tournaments where flexibility is needed.
Photo Credit: Fabrizio Romano
Atletico Madrid and their habit of bottling tournaments. It is becoming a pattern or a regular thing. Whether it’s in Europe or now in the Club World Cup, they get close, but still get kicked out of the tournament. It’s not even about lack of talent anymore . The fans deserve better, and the players seem to disappoint when they're needed the most
Something definitely needs to change, whether it’s a tactical change or just a new voice in the dressing room to talk to the players.